Jay's POV]
The Blue Suite looked like a high-end department store had exploded in it. Suitcases were flung open across the velvet benches, and the "Honeymoon Protocol" was currently being sabotaged by the very people who were supposed to be helping.
"Jay! You cannot go to the Amalfi Coast without at least five different sunscreens and this silk headscarf!" Mica shouted, tossing a shimmering piece of fabric into my main suitcase.
And the bikinis!" Lia added, holding up a tiny white two-piece that made my face turn beet-red. "I put the 'Emergency Seduction' kit in the side pocket. Don't open it until Keifer is sufficiently distracted by the Italian sunset."
The CEO's Packing Method
Across the room, Keifer was standing by his own suitcase, looking at the chaos with a mixture of amusement and "CEO-level" efficiency. He didn't have piles of clothes; he had a perfectly curated stack of linen shirts, tailored trousers, and his laptop (which Mamma Serina had already.threatened to confiscate twice)."Analysis, Keif?" I asked, struggling to fold a sundress while Freya tried to show me a TikTok of "Italy Outfit Ideas.""My packing is $100\%$ optimized for the climate and the activities I have planned," Keifer said, walking over to me. He ignored the girls and pulled me into his side. "The only variable I'm worried about is how I'm going to get you through the airport without the 'Glow' causing a security delay."
The Squad Interference
Calix and David were currently in the walk-in closet, "inspecting" Keifer's shoe collection. "Watson, you're bringing work shoes to Italy? Are you planning to negotiate with the pasta?" Calix yelled.
Kuya Angelo was standing by the door, holding a heavy-duty power bank. "Jay, take this. Knowing Keifer, he'll run his phone battery down to zero just trying to find the perfect private beach for you."
Ella and Rakki were busy labeling my luggage tags with "MRS. WATSON" in giant, glittery letters. "Just so the Italian pilots know who they're flying," Ella winked.
The Keiran Mystery
Suddenly, Keiran walked in, dragging a massive, heavy-duty duffel bag that looked like it belonged to a deep-sea diver. He stopped in the middle of the room, looking very serious.
"Kuya, I've packed the survival gear," Keiran announced.
Keifer blinked. "Keiran... you're not coming to Italy."
"I know that," Keiran said, opening the bag to reveal... several jars of honey and a giant telescope. "But you said it was a 'Honey Moon.' Since I couldn't find the moon made of honey on the map, I figured you'd have to fly really high to find it. I packed the telescope so you can see the bees before they sting the rocket ship."
The room went dead silent. Keigan walked in, looked at the telescope, and sighed. "He's been at this for three hours, Keif. Just tell him there are no bees in space."
"There are no bees in space, Keiran," Keifer said, his voice unusually patient. "The honey is for the toast. We are staying on Earth."
"Oh." Keiran looked disappointed. "Well, keep the honey. Just in case you get stuck on a mountain."
The Final Zip
Mamma Serina walked in, carrying a small, velvet box. "One last thing for the Empress." She opened it to reveal a pair of vintage sunglasses that belonged to the Watson grandmothers. "For when the Italian sun is almost as bright as you, Jay."
Pappa Keizer stood in the doorway, checking his watch. "The jet's engines are warming up. If you don't zip those bags in five minutes, you're leaving in your bathrobes."
Keifer finally took charge. He gently ushered the squad out of the room, ignoring Calix's protests about "one last tequila shot." He shut the door, and the silence was immediate.He walked over to my suitcase, effortlessly zipped it shut, and then turned to me. He reached out, tucking a stray hair behind my ear, his eyes softening into that $100\%$ husband-mode."Are you ready to go offline, Mrs. Watson?"
"100%," I whispered, leaning into him. "Just as long as there are no bees."
He laughed, a low, rich sound, and kissed my forehead. "No bees. Just the sea, the sun, and the Constant."